by Dexx Peay
But I was DYING to know what it felt like.
“Well since you’ve never done it before, I think your first time should be a bit more special. And you being untouched makes me want you more,” she said flirtatiously.
“Really?”
“Really.”
We ended up getting Chinese and talking the rest of the night away. We ordered out so I wouldn’t get attacked and leave my date behind like last time.
I was surprised how she responded to me being a virgin. Most girls, I’m sure, would’ve thought I was a weirdo, being eighteen and never intimate with a girl.
I got back to my room right before midnight. The temperature around me was starting to drop. I knew my body had a slight resistance to cold but not completely like Dylan. I got myself ready for bed and right when I closed my eyes, my phone rang.
“Lo,” I answered half sleep. It was Hudson.
“Marcus!” He panicked.
“Umm, yea, what’s up?”
“Marcus, get over here now. It’s Dylan,” he said. I sprung up to attention.
“Where you guys?”
He was breathing hard, his words broken. “We’re at my dorm. Get over here now!”
I didn’t ask any questions after that. I grabbed a shirt, put on my shoes then ran out the door.
Chapter 19
Not Like the Others
Sweat running from every crack on my body, I sprinted across campus to Hudson’s room. My lungs caught fire the whole run there — only thinking the worst. I barged in. He was lucky the door was unlocked because I would have blown it off the hinges. Hudson stood over Dylan who was passed out on the bed.
“What did you do?” I yelled. For all I knew this guy could have killed my best friend. I mean we didn’t really know who these people were or their intentions.
“I didn’t do anything I jus—”
“You better start talking now.” My hands flared, burning my shirt at the wrist. I approached him. It didn’t bother me that he was a few inches taller and fifty pounds heavier. I guess it was a good thing that he had a single room because I would have just exposed us all right there.
He didn’t back down. “Look, I don’t know what happened for sure, but I’ll tell you once you put the fire out.”
I refused. “Talk.”
“Fine. We were out training. I was trying to teach Dylan how to fly, but he was holding himself back. We skipped that and went onto some battle drills. I agreed to not fly and we would fight until the other one quit but I — I…”
“I what?” The flames grew burning more of the shirt.
“I didn’t realize how strong Dylan was. Anyway, I was throwing punches and I think I may have hit him a little too hard.”
“What did you do?” I prepared myself for a fight.
“I didn’t do anything.” He looked at the comatose Dylan, his eyes apologized for even training with him alone. “Once I laid my last attack on him something happened and I went spiraling through the sky with the scars to prove it. He was on the ground when I got back to him. I couldn’t take him to the hospital so I just brought him here. That’s when I called you.”
I exhaled. The flames died to a smoke cloud. I backed down and took a seat on the floor next to the bed. It wasn’t the first time he had passed out. I wondered if passing out came with the powers? But if so, this wouldn’t be a surprise to Hudson.
“I don’t know how to explain it, but Dylan isn’t like the rest of us. To be honest I’m not even sure if he is whatever it is we are. Right when Dylan first started using his powers, things around him would move without anybody touching them.”
“How so?”
“We were out training, just like you guys were doing. I think we were pushing ourselves too hard that day and just like you, I was at the wrong place at the wrong time. I found myself being thrown out a window and when I went back to check on Dylan, he was on the floor passed out. Can I ask where did you hit him before you went flying?”
“It was on the head, but it was an accident I promise.”
“Dylan has chronic migraines, and when he gets migraines his telekinesis unleashes. I’ve had migraines maybe once or twice but not as often and as severe as Dylan. I’ve also passed out once. Is this normal for our kind?”
“Wait, so Dylan has telekinesis?”
“Yeah. I don’t know how or why but I was thinking, maybe Dylan isn’t like us. He can’t fly and he is the only person who I’ve met who has the ability to move objects with his mind. It could also explain his parents, I’m sure they don’t have powers. Perhaps he’s in a classification of his own.”
“I’ve never heard of headaches or blackouts with these powers. So what do you think he is? I mean, he does have a Xarponian power.”
I got myself comfortable. “I’m not sure, but maybe our kind isn’t the only ones invading this earth. Grab a pillow and a blanket. He might be out for awhile.”
“How long is a while?”
I laughed. I made a pallet on the floor and rested my head.
When we woke up, Dylan was sound out of it.
I anticipated that.
I went back to my room to get dressed and Hudson stayed to watch him. In between classes we switched out so we could make it to as many classes as possible. I talked with Dylan’s professors and let them know he had the flu and wouldn’t be in class until he got over it.
I spent the whole night there hoping he would wake up. I passed the hours doing my homework and his so he wouldn’t fall behind. Day two went by and so did day three, with no sign until day four.
“Argh,” he wailed, feeling around his head.
I was on the floor with my legs crossed, studying the two textbooks in front of me. Hudson was wheezing at his desk that overflowed with multi-colored notebook paper. I called his name once Dylan started to wake. He jumped up knocking over his homework.
Dylan didn’t move, but his hand cradled his head. “I feel like I’ve been run over with a truck. How … did … I end up — awe man, did I? Not again,” he sighed. “What fun is having telekinesis if I can never really enjoy it?”
“Dylan.” I stood up and Hudson and I walked over to the bed. “You were out for almost four whole days this time.”
“No wonder I’m so hungry.” he joked. He got up and turned his body to face us. His feet dangled off the edge of the twin bed that was clearly too small for Hudson.
“I don’t think you understand how serious this is. I think it’s best if you don’t use your telekinesis anymore.” I took his hands off his head and looked him in the eyes.
“How am I supposed to control it? It just happens.”
“You just have to find the trigger like you did for your ice powers. Now just relax and lay down.”
He took his hands back. “Lay down? I been out of it for four days. I want some food.”
It was starting to annoy me slightly. He was making joke after joke. It was clear I was more concerned about his health than he was.
So…
We took a trip to grab some burgers.
Just the two of us.
“Geesh, Dylan, can you fit anymore food into your mouth at one time?”
“Yup,” he said with a mouthful. He washed it all down with a soda and began stuffing garlic fries at his face.
“How you feeling, bro?” I enjoyed seeing him eat, even if it was like a child eating cake on their first birthday.
He was alive.
“The hunger is almost gone and I don’t even have a headache anymore. So I would say I am better.”
“Dylan, we need to talk.”
I waved my hand in front of his face to grab his attention. He didn’t respond.
“Dylan.”
“Shoot.”
“We have to find out what exactly it is you are.”
“What do you mean?”
“I don’t think you’re the same species as the rest of us.”
“What do you mean by that?”
“You can�
��t fly and you’re nowhere close to learning. You have telekinesis and no one else does. You get migraines and pass out when you use too much power. Hudson said these things are not associated with being Xarponian.”
“Well, what are you thinking?”
“I don’t know, but we’ll find out, promise. But first we need to focus on finals and making sure we don’t flunk our first semester of college.”
“SCHOOL!” he yelled, dropping his fries onto the table right before it could reach his mouth. His chair screeched as he backed away from the table.
“Don’t worry, I talked to your professors. They think you have the flu. I also did all your homework. Your Mom called and wanted to know when we were coming home and I told Gunner you would be staying in a friend’s room to prevent the guys in the suite from catching your germs.”
“Thanks, bro. Where would I be without you?”
“Lost for sure.”
Chapter 20
Holiday Blues
Marcus and I headed home for the break after finals. My house didn’t really feel like the holidays this year. Mom was working major overtime at the hospital so I’ve been spending my days trying to find ways to entertain Dalton. Yesterday I took him to the mall to do some Christmas shopping. Today I tried to get him out of the house so we could go do something with Marcus and his brother, but he declined. He wanted to lie around, play video games and eat pop-tarts all day.
So, we did.
Christmas was just a few days away. My aunt and two cousins were coming down on Christmas Eve to spend the holiday with us. I hadn’t seen my cousins in two years, so it would be nice to see some family to bring some cheer into our household. I really haven’t been spending time with my dad. For some reason his attitude was always turned on when I was around. Wasn’t sure if it was because I decided to go to NYU or what, but I thought he would be over that by now.
Guess not.
When Thursday morning came around, I was awakened by a loud bang on the door and the repetitious ringing of the doorbell. I rolled over because I thought my mom or dad would’ve gotten up to answer it.
Of course not.
The knocks only got louder and the rings picked up the pace. I pitched a fit in bed, kicked around, and threw a few pillows before I finally got up to get the door. If the knocks were loud enough to wake up Dalton, then I knew my parents heard it. He and I got to the door and opened it.
A parade hit us in the face.
“OHHMYYGOSHHH! DALTON AND DYLAN!” she screamed.
Totally forgot my aunt was a little eccentric. She dropped her bags at the door and rushed us, nearly taking Dalton and me to the floor as she wrapped her short stubby arms around the both of us. We were like ants, compared to her in size. Probably why my parents refused to answer the door — to avoid the dramatic greeting. Her two sons grabbed her bags and walked in behind her as calm as can be.
“Dylan, how’s it going, little cousin?” Cory said. We shook hands.
Cory was Aunt Chloe’s eldest son. He was twenty and a junior at Florida State. I remembered always wanting to be around him and the cool kids.
Now I’m the cool kid.
“Haven’t seen you in forever,” Chad, the youngest son, said to Dalton. Chad and I were closer in age. He was just a year behind me. They’re both pretty cool but Chad was occasionally a bit hyperactive.
Think he inherited that from his mother.
We all spent a few moments catching up before Mom and Dad finally decided to wake up and come downstairs.
“If it isn’t my wonderful big sister.” Aunt Chloe hugged Mom, while Dad took a seat on the couch next to Chad and Cory. “Christine you look fab-u-luss,” she screamed, admiring Mom’s hard-earned figure. She took full advantage of that free gym membership the hospital offered. Mom walked over and hugged her two nephews and we all sat around the coffee table sharing stories.
Later that day, all the adults went out and did whatever it was adults do when they got together. We dropped Dalton off at Marcus’ house and picked him up. We all met up with Trey to catch the new action flick. After the movie was over, we still needed to do some last-minute shopping. Of course the mall was packed on Christmas Eve, so trying to find a parking spot was a hassle. We split up once we got inside. Chad and Cory went their separate ways and we went ours.
Once we finished shopping, we met up with Cory and Chad. They had multiple bags full of gifts.
“Who’s going to wrap all these gifts for us?” Marcus asked as we headed back to the car.
“I suck at gift wrapping,” Cory said.
“If we have a place to go and wrap all these up, I'm sure I can find someone to come help us,” Trey said.
“Who,” I asked.
“Don’t worry about that. Just know I can get us help,” he said.
“Ok, I’ll get us the place. Trey you get the help,” Marcus said.
Marcus unlocked the door to his restaurant and let us all in. Between the five of us, we had a ton of presents to wrap. Marcus turned on the lights and we set up some tables to get started.
“Where is the help you promised us Trey?” I punched his arm.
“Well, aren’t we just demanding,” an unknown yet familiar female voice yelled out. I turned around; Diana stood in the doorway — straight and tall with a red designer bag at her side.
“Diana!” I walked towards her with open arms. We met each other halfway and greeted with a tight hug. “It’s good to see you,” I whispered.
She kissed me on the cheek. Something about Boston and college boosted her sex appeal and ironically she was wearing tennis shoes. I could count on one hand how many times I’ve witnessed that. Her hair was in a high ponytail, natural nails nicely manicured with pink polish.
“Good to see you too, Dill Pickle.” She spotted Marcus and went to give him a hug.
“Why didn’t you tell us she was home?” I punched Trey on the arm again.
“She told me it was a surprise.” Trey gave me a sneaky smirk as he lightly rubbed his arm.
Diana walked up to Cory and greeted him. “I don’t think I've had the pleasure,” she said. Marcus, Trey and I laughed.
“These are my cousins Cory and Chad. They’re here for the holidays,” I said. “OK, so you’re going to help us wrap all these gifts right?” I had to keep her busy before she tried to get busy.
“Geesh, don’t rush me,” Diana said.
She walked over and started wrapping the gifts one by one. She never took a seat. She leaned over the table making sure Cory had a nice view of her astonishing frame. I stepped back and stood next to Marcus.
“You know, I could help make this process go a whole lot faster,” I whispered.
“You mean you could use your telekinesis for a few minutes and then I’ll be nursing you back to health over the next week? Yeah … not the best idea.” He shut the idea down.
“Relax. I think my body’s really getting used to it,” I reassured him.
“I’d rather not take that chance today and risk exposing us.” He ended the conversation and gave me a look that said quit asking.
After all of the gifts were done, I was worn out like I did something. Diana wanted to finish the night with a movie in her basement. I had to decline. Marcus and Trey both went with her while my cousins and I went back home after picking up Dalton. It was subtle, but I think she really just wanted Cory to come over.
It was late — an hour before midnight when we made it back to the house. I expected everyone to be knocked out but they were wide-awake. Freshly baked oatmeal and sugar cookies hit us when we walked in.
“Well hello there,” Aunt Chloe said. Our arms were full of wrapped gifts. We place them underneath the tree. Photo albums and wine bottles covered the living room table.
“Seems like you all went overboard,” Mom said.
It may have appeared that way. Between the three of us and all the gifts we had to get for everyone it really wasn’t. I walked to the kitchen table and grabbed two coo
kies—one of each. Dalton and Chad did the same.
“Come, take a seat, have a glass,” Aunt Chloe said. Mom’s eyes sharpened as they cut a glance over to Aunt Chloe. Dad busted out laughing.
“I’m trying to cut back. I get enough of that in college,” I said.
“Dylan,” Mom panted. She knew I was playing. Dad continued to laugh and Cory tried to hold it in.
“Mom, you know I don’t drink.”
“He’s grown, he can have a drink if he wants, Christine. Have a drink if you want one, Dylan.” Dad instigated, waving his glass towards me.
“I’ll take one,” Cory said.
He walked over to the table and sat down next to Dad. Dad poured him a glass. Mom put her hand to her head.
“Listen, guys, I'm pooped. I think I'm going to call it a night.” I yawned, my arms naturally stretched.
My room was a mess when I walked inside. I wished Mom would stop opening the window. I picked up the papers that fell from the desk then looked up at the window. I walked over and stuck my head out. This eerie, tingly sensation crawled up my skin, stabbing my spine. I started to pull my head back when a bird whistled past scaring the crap out of me.
I fell back.
Laughed a little to mask the nerves.
I stared at the window, did a slight tilt with my head causing the window to close.
It was morning.
Dark.
But morning nonetheless.
Before I could open my eyes, the decadent scent of french toast and maple cream cheese with bacon awakened my senses. It was the same scent every Christmas. Couldn’t figure out why anyone was cooking this early. I rushed downstairs even though I was still tired.
Didn’t even wash up.
When I got to the bottom of the stairway, I was at peace.
It was just what I wanted for the holidays…
My family.
Everyone was gathered in the kitchen pitching in for breakfast. The lights from the tree bounced off the white walls like a disco ball.
Postcard perfect.